Controller & Director of Accounting

Overview

This Controller & Director of Accounting role oversees accounting operations and financial reporting for a nonprofit organization supporting an annual operating budget of approximately $37 million and approximately 150 staff. The position reports directly to the Chief Operating and Financial Officer (COFO) and provides support to the COFO.

The controller leads a team of six accounting professionals and oversees accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll, month-end/year-end close, revenue recognition, grant and contract accounting, external audits, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
• Own revenue recognition across revenue streams—including subscription and other earned-revenue products, contributions, and grants—ensuring consistent application of ASC 606 and ASC 958, accurate deferred revenue balances, and appropriate contribution-versus-exchange-transaction determinations.
• Oversee grant and contract accounting, including tracking net assets with and without donor restrictions, release of restrictions, funder budget-to-actual reporting, and compliance with grant terms and applicable federal award requirements.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
• Coordinate and manage external audits, sales tax filings, and other regulatory compliance requirements.
• Manage treasury operations, including cash forecasting, banking relationships, and support of investment and reserve policies in coordination with the COFO and the Finance and Audit Committee.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement across the accounting function by evaluating existing workflows, identifying opportunities to automate and streamline manual processes, and leveraging system tools and AI to strengthen controls, shorten close cycles, and improve accuracy and timeliness of financial data.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic decision-making and business planning.
• Manage and mentor a team of accounting professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to drive process improvements and optimize efficiency.
• Stay current on changes in accounting standards, regulations, and best practices, and implement as necessary.

Requirements

• BS in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred.
• 12 years of relevant accounting experience.
• Minimum 5 years supervising/managing staff in an accounting or finance environment.
• Working knowledge of SaaS and subscription accounting, including ASC 606 revenue recognition for multi-year and multi-element subscription arrangements, deferred revenue and billing schedules, and capitalization of internal-use and cloud software costs under ASC 350-40.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting principles and practices, and financial controls; experience preparing or reviewing Form 990 preferred.
• Proficiency with accounting system software; experience with NetSuite, Salesforce, Stripe, UltiPro, Avalara, Tipalti, Nexonia and PBCS a plus.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience using AI to improve procedures.
• Exceptional analytical, quantitative, forecasting, and financial modeling skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and thrive in a deadline-based environment.
• Solution-driven problem solver and self-starter with high integrity.
• Flexibility and timely responsiveness to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent presentation, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to perform other duties and special projects as needed/requested.
• Sensitivity and respect for racial, gender, sexual orientation, and cultural differences.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA.
• Experience preparing or reviewing Form 990.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: $130,000 - $160,000. (This range is for the NYC area and will be adjusted for other localities; skills and experience will be considered.)
• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
• Retirement contribution with additional option for a match.
• Paid life insurance and AD&D.
• Paid leave time (PTO, compassionate leave, volunteer, holiday, parental).
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• Pre-tax transit.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Supplemental insurance.
• Summer hours.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program eligible employer.

Location & Schedule

• Location: Remote.
• Schedule: 35-hour work week, Monday through Friday.
• In-person attendance is expected twice per year during annual, weeklong all-staff summits.
• Additional in-person meeting participation is expected at least once per quarter for senior leaders and at least once per month for the executive team.
• Staff not located in the NYC area are expected to travel for these meetings.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.